Genre specific film opening analysis- The girl on the train

As the film begins the idents appear, it plays sinister music in the background as well as a diegetic sound of a train. There is an immediate reaction as its not what the audience would expect when seeing the well known ident. An atmosphere is created. The harsh and sharp sound of the train almost sounds like a woman screaming, its high pitch is disturbing but also sparks thought within the audience. As a visual appears, the train noise increases and a horn sound occurs. It grabs the audiences attention as well as being quite alarming. The credits are displayed in front of a rural area, the shot is moving fast making the audience feel as if they are on the train. The diegetic sound increases and you can now therefore hear the sound of the wheels turning. The shot is obstructed by a tree and cuts to an outside view of the train, the film title is then displayed. Its jumpy editing builds tension and suspense, it keeps the audience engaged. 

The next shot is very unusual. We are introduced to a woman, the woman we see we assume is the narrator who is taking. Her face can only be seen partially as the window is steamed up. In addition, we see her from outside of the train, its rather distant and suggests that there is more to know about this woman than what we can see. Moreover, the character draws a cross with her fingers on the window. The 'x' can symbolize evil, it creates confusion as the audience wonder who is evil. It can maybe be a symbol of death. It suggests that there maybe a death or murder in the film. However, it can also be a symbol of a kiss or showing affection. But because of the sound we consider this more to be based off of evil. Perhaps love is involved. In addition, X in Roman numeral terms is the number 10, maybes this number has some significance to her. X can be used as a symbol in maths in replace of a number you are trying to work out. In linking with the film, it suggests there is mystery this female character is trying work out.

As she continues with the voice over, it goes to a point of view shot. It makes the audience feel as though they are there. The narration builds a rapport with the audience as it appears more personal. The shot of houses, show families and it suggests this women doesn't have such a thing. It makes her appear envious of the people in these situations and perhaps suggests that this may causes or be a disruption in the equilibrium.

The shots now vary to a montage of this female character from a number of different positions in the train. It goes to a close up of the female character, it is very focused on her allowing the audience to assume that she is the main character. 

An ellipsis occurs again, she is drawing in her book at night time, the camera follows her head and pans up as she moves, it is daylight again. The fact so far shes always been on a train is odd and once again provokes thought. It suggests that maybe she inst living a normal life. Furthermore, the fact she is drawing shows she is creative but sparks more questions in the audience. The beginning of the film, little information is given. The woman looks very tired but also sad, we know she likes to draw and that maybe her life has changed but not in the way she hoped by the way in which she talks and what she is saying. Its as if the scene is repeated but with different shots, it informs that this is the characters everyday life.

The character eventually leaves the train and an over the shoulder shot is used to establish where she is but also maintain the relationship with her and the audience. Despite leaving the train, she stays in the train station and continues to draw. We still have not heard her speak, its non-diegetic sound of what we assume is her voice. On the contrary, it is implied that she has a serious job, she is dressed smartly and is getting her shoes cleaned. The fact that she upkeep's her appearance shows that she cares about what she looks like but also makes her seem as though her life is together and running as normal.   

The final shot we see is a wide shot in a restaurant. The restaurant looks very high standard implying that she has wealth and perhaps status. Once again we see her drawing. Its a track shot, the camera is on a rail and enters the room. At first the shot is obstructing and it stops the audience from seeing her, then she is almost revealed to the audience before reverting to an extreme close up. I notice that the camera often follows her movement or her in general. This certainly builds a rapport but also establishes her importance. It emphasizes the fact that she is the main character and that this film is based around her.